Hydraulically powered spindle for working metals and composite materials

Abstract

An apparatus for machining is disclosed having a hydraulic motor directly coupled to a tool spindle. Mounting means are provided for mounting the hydraulic motor and spindle to a machine tool. A source of hydraulic fluid is provided at a pressure that varies directly with load.

Having described my invention and the manner of its use, it is apparent that incidental modifications may be made thereto that fairly fall within the scope of the following appended claims, wherein I claim: 
     
       1. A metal and composite material working system comprising: (1) a source of hydraulic fluid provided at a pressure that varies directly with load, said pressure having an upper limit,   (2) a hydraulic motor having a powered output shaft,   (3) a spindle having a spindle shaft directly coupled to said powered output shaft, said spindle shaft rotatably supported in a housing rigidly coupled to said motor, said spindle shaft and said housing forming a spindle assembly resistant to radial and axial loads applied to said spindle shaft,   (4) a metal working tool coupled to said spindle shaft and adapted for rotatably engaging said workpiece,   (5) mounting means for mounting said hydraulic motor and spindle assembly to a machine tool in movable, accurately controllable relation with said workpiece so that said metal working tool accurately engages said workpiece, with said pressure being maintained below said upper limit.   
     
     
       2. A metal working system as set forth in claim 1 wherein said spindle shaft and said output shaft are of integral construction. 
     
     
       3. A metal working system as set forth in claim 1 wherein said machine tool is a computer controlled machine tool. 
     
     
       4. A metal working system as set forth in claim 1 wherein said source of hydraulic fluid provides said hydraulic fluid at a constant flow rate. 
     
     
       5. A metal working system as set forth in claim 4 wherein said constant flow rate may be varied in order to vary rotational speed of said hydraulic motor and said spindle shaft.